They say nobody so crazy they think they can say who was the first man.
The novel discusses various African mythologies and origin stories. Consider the following:
1. Yoruba creation myth: Walker references the Yoruba people's creation story, which involves the god Olodumare creating the world and humans. This myth emphasizes the importance of community and the interconnectedness of all things.
2. African Eve vs. Biblical Eve: The novel highlights the differences between the biblical story of Eve and African mythologies, where the first woman is often depicted as a powerful, independent figure.
3. Mwindo epic: Walker draws on the Mwindo epic from the Congo region, which tells the story of the first humans and their relationship with the gods. This epic emphasizes the importance of balance, harmony, and respect for nature.
4. Anansi the spider: The novel references Anansi, a trickster figure from West African folklore, who is often depicted as a clever and cunning spider. Anansi represents the power of storytelling and the importance of wit and intelligence.
5. Critique of patriarchal narratives: Through these African origin stories, Walker critiques the patriarchal biases inherent in traditional biblical narratives. She emphasizes the importance of female agency, community, and cooperation.
